Tag: three drums

Timpani Exercise: 12 Bucks

James Christian
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This exercise is a good warm-up for practicing tone quality and pedaling changes.  It goes through the circle of fifths, and each section incorporates the tonic and dominant of the key.  Like the other “12 Bucks” exercises this week, today’s timpani exercise can be played individually or with a group of percussionists.

This exercise can be played on three drums, but four will be easier.  The rhythms are not overly difficult, so it’s a good opportunity to focus on drawing a full tone from the drum on every stroke.  When playing with a group, you may want to use a medium hard mallet to produce slightly sharper articulation.

The main challenge on this exercise will be the pitch changes.  Gauges will certainly make the changes easier, but a well-trained timpanist can learn to “feel” the next pitch as he or she becomes more familiar with the specific set of drums used.  As always, use your ear and learn to adjust quickly, whether you have gauges or not.

Happy pedaling!

Timpani Exercise: Triplet Splits

James Christian
Click on the image to enlarge or click here to download in PDF format.

This three-drum timpani exercise utilizes a common situation, in which you must quickly play all three drums.  To avoid awkward crossover situations and to play the passage with a consistent sticking pattern, most timpanists choose to play a double split among the two drums.  (Tenor drummers call these “sweeps.”)

This exercise works both the right hand and the left hand.  The accents add an additional challenge.  Make sure the accents are distinct, but never overplayed and harsh.

The notes in the exercise are based on an A diminished triad.  Any other grouping of notes could certainly work for practicing the technical skills, but tuning the written notes is important.

As always, start slowly until you have the exercise sounding great.  Then gradually build speed.